Here’s something worth saying out loud: It’s OK if the idea of starting a business seems daunting.
That’s only natural — it’s a big undertaking, one with the potential to transform your life and your community for the better. But it’s also worth noting that just because it’s daunting doesn’t mean it needs to be scary.
What a lot of people don’t know is that there are robust support networks and resources that exist to help entrepreneurs on their exhilarating journey from idea to launch — and beyond.
The good news for you is that southeast Minnesota is one of those places and Red Wing Ignite (RWI) is one of those resources. RWI was founded in 2013 to fuel economic development in the city and surrounding community by working across sectors in support of entrepreneurs and innovators as well as businesses and students. The most important thing for entrepreneurs in our area to know is that they’re not alone on this journey.
If you or someone you know are considering becoming an entrepreneur, here are five questions we often hear about entrepreneurship and our advice for each one:
Interested in learning more about becoming an entrepreneur?
Why should I consider becoming an entrepreneur?
What if I’m not sure I want to become an entrepreneur?
That’s OK! It’s a big decision, and one that might feel like a leap of faith, because starting a business is hard work with plenty of ups and downs. That’s why it’s such an exciting and rewarding experience. But there are programs out there — like our Ideation Workshop and Startup Sprint — designed to help would-be founders work through those same feelings and questions. These programs offer participants a first taste of entrepreneurial culture and exposure to the tools entrepreneurs need to succeed. One possible outcome might be deciding you want to launch a startup. Other potential benefits could include honing your problem-solving skills, learning the value of failure in entrepreneurship, and building relationships with others in your community.
How much money do I need to get started?
Ready for a surprise? None! The only investment you need to make to get started on this journey is your time spent at our workshops. Once you’re in our network, we will work with you to find ways to raise money if and when you need to. That being said, however, we understand how valuable your time is and we don’t want that to become a limiting factor for your ability to attend or participate in our programs and events. If you find the timing of our workshops conflicts with your schedule, please reach out and let us know.